There was so many people that made a tremendous impact on my life, almost too many to recall. I was fortunate enough to come in contact with the most wonderful people with beautiful souls. The first person I would have to acknowledge would definitely have to be my mother. Although, it took me too many years to realize it, she is the most amazing person I have encountered. My mother is a unique individual with thoughts she does not feel the need to censor. My mother took a few years off from working as a medical assistant, in order to raise my sister and I. She was no ordinary mother. My mom wanted us to learn about our surroundings and be aware of the world. We would go on frequent nature walks where she would explain to us the changing seasons and its impact on the neighborhood. My mother explained to me that it is not my world, it belongs to everyone and we must take care of our planet. We also collected leaves and pinecones in order to create art projects. She was not your typical Long Island mother. My mother bought us uncensored music because she felt that one "should not edit art". My mother is the type of person that played her children punk rock songs, following it up with classical music, and then singing me the best of Motown. The term, "sheltering", is not something my mother was found of and I am surprisingly grateful for that. I knew at a young age what was going on in the world, something a lot of my peers could not say today. My mother encouraged us to be different and to be ourselves. She saw my interests and talents in art and made sure that she was able to give me every opportunity she could. Even if that meant letting me take classes we could not exactly afford. My mother made sure she attended everything. Whether it was an art show, concert, or a academic ceremony; I could always count on her being there. She grew up in a project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Her opportunities were limited and she was not able to get the kind of chances I received. She felt strongly about our schooling and made sure we read every night. She helped me develop my passion for literature. My mother is the most intelligent person I have ever came in contact with. It is not because I watched her every night, for as long as I can remember, recite almost every right answer to Jeopardy questions. But it is for how she gave herself that education I so admire. She is the most selfless person when it comes to her children . My mother made many sacrifices throughout my life in order to make Laura and I happy. If it wasn't for her, I know I would not be who I am today. She led by example, teaching me her feminist views and bestowing upon be a sense of curiosity I will take with me for the rest of my life.